Lock Haven Business Plans to Tattoo People for Good Cause

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LOCK HAVEN-- It's been a little over a month since a fire engulfed the VFW building in Lock Haven.

Now, a local business is stepping in to help one veterans group that lost nearly everything.

That fire destroyed a lot of memorabilia and records that cannot be replaced, but a tattoo shop in Lock Haven said the VFW has made a permanent mark on the community, which is why the owner of the shop is looking to help the VFW/ Veterans Benefit Center the best way he knows how.

These military inspired drawings from the early to mid-1900's are out for customers to look at in the Silver Shamrock in downtown Lock Haven.

In a few days, the drawings will be a permanent mark on dozens of people in the community.

It's all to help the VFW/ Veterans Benefit Center in Clinton County after the branch lost almost everything in a fire.

"Nobody knew how bad it was" said tattoo artist, Freddie Wadsworth.

Flames destroyed the VFW building on East Church Street in late June. The building housed Post 1630 and upstairs, the VFW / Veterans Benefit Center.

Tattoo artist, Freddie Wadsworth from Lock Haven wanted to help.

"At first I was like I will throw in some books. I'll throw in a hoodie. I'll do whatever," said Wadsworth.

Wadsworth said he decided to do something he knows how to do well and could raise money.

On August 2nd, he'll tattoo these designs on customers for $50 each.

Sixty percent of the proceeds will go to the VFW/ Veterans Benefit Center.

“Maybe they’re not seeing how much work they do," said Wadsworth.

Wadsworth said if you don't want a tattoo, but you do want to help out the VFW there will be donation jars out the day of the benefit, plus they will have fake tattoos.

"It's awesome" said Roy Cowfer, service officer for VFW.

Since the fire, the Veterans Benefit Center has moved to a new location in Lock Haven on Bellefonte Avenue.

"We had plaques and things that like that that we can't replace."

Roy Cowfer works at the VFW/ Veterans Benefit Center. He said they lost a lot in the fire, but he's glad to see the community giving back.

"We give to the community, they’re looking for ways to help us. This is just one of those ways." said Cowfer.

"I know we can raise a lot of money for a good cause, so why not for the best cause." said Wadsworth.

The benefit for the VFW/ Veterans Benefit Center will begin at noon on Saturday at the Silver Shamrock in Lock Haven. The event is first come, first served.

Post 1630 plans to knock down the VFW building in early August. Members are still searching for a new location.